Bellinger, who grew up in the Southern New Jersey community of Willingboro Township, graduated from JF Kennedy High School in 1977.
[1] He immediately turned professional with the Dallas Tornado of the North American Soccer League.
However, the concept failed when Team America stumbled to a 10–20 record and the bottom of the league standings.
In 1987, Bellinger signed a guaranteed contract with the Steamers, but broke his foot and missed the 1987–1988 season.
Bellinger was the head coach for the Bishop Guertin High School (New Hampshire) boys varsity team until 2010, a position he held for over 15 seasons.